Napoli sign Parma striker Lucarelli

Napoli have signed Parma striker Cristiano Lucarelli on-loan.

The negotiations had originally collapsed several weeks ago when President Aurelio De Laurentiis declared he was too old to act as a reinforcement for the team.

“I had to bluff over this issue for a while, as I don’t like to hold talks in public,” insisted the patron on Radio Marte.

“Besides, the transfer had become complicated due to German Denis’ injury and the uncertainty over his move to Udinese.

“Now Lucarelli is ours and I am proud to welcome him into our family.”

The former Livorno striker arrives on loan from Parma with the option to buy at the end of the season.

“I am happy that the negotiations finally came to a head,” said Lucarelli. “It’s very satisfying for me to be able to play for Napoli in front of an exceptional crowd at the San Paolo.

“It’s a dream come true and the fact it has happened at the age of 34 just makes it even better.”